🇯🇵🕊📝 — Marking the 81st Anniversary of Japan's Surrender at the World War II, Prime-Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered a speech about the event, with the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and the attendance of the bereaved families of the war dead and representatives from various sectors of Japanese politics
In the late great war, the lives of approximately 3.1 million of our compatriots were lost.
Those who fell on the battlefield, worrying about the fate of their homeland and wishing for the happiness of their beloved families.
Those who became victims due to the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the bombings of various cities, the ground battles in Okinawa, and other events.
Those who passed away in distant foreign lands after the war's end.
Now, before all these spirits, I sincerely pray for the peace of their souls.
We must never forget that today's peace and prosperity of our country are built upon the precious lives of the war dead and the history of hardship.
Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I offer my deepest respect and gratitude.
We will never forget the many remains that have yet to be returned.
As a duty of the nation, we will devote all our efforts to welcoming them back to their homeland as soon as possible.
Since the end of the war, our country has consistently walked the path as a nation that values peace, and we have strived to contribute to world peace and prosperity.
We will never allow the horrors of war to be repeated.
Although 81 years have passed since the end of the war, no matter how much time flows by, we will inherit and uphold this resolute vow across generations.
Japan can play an important role in addressing the various challenges facing each country.
As a shining beacon in the Indo-Pacific, it can become a nation that is relied upon.
We will create a Japan where the generation living now and the generations of the future can hold hope, and a society that is safe and secure to live in.
In conclusion, I pray for the peace of the spirits of the war dead and the good health of their bereaved families.
August 15, Reiwa 8
Prime Minister of the Cabinet
Sanae Takaichi